Mechanism and contextualism in behavior analysis: Just some observations

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Abstract

Responds to peer commentary on his original article (see record 1993-39723-001) on behavior analysis and mechanism written by D. E. Blackman, R. L. Shull and P. S. Lawrence, and J. E. Staddon (see PA, Vols 23849, 23861, and 23862, respectively). The author clarifies 2 issues here, namely the nature and meaning of mechanism and mechanisms, and context and contextualism. Varieties of the former include discrete vs consolidated, and simple vs sophisticated mechanism. The mechanistic tradition can be divided into empirical and philosophical lineages. The author also addresses 2 common misunderstandings regarding the variety of contextualisms and the distinction between context and contextualism.